Urgent iPhone Update Required for Millions
▼ Summary
– Apple’s December decision requires hundreds of millions of iPhone users to update their software urgently, primarily by moving to iOS 26.
– iPhones from the iPhone 11 onward are compatible with iOS 26, while iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models cannot upgrade and must use iOS 18.7.3.
– Since December 12, Apple has stopped offering general iOS 18 updates for compatible phones, forcing them to either upgrade to iOS 26 or remain on older, less secure software.
– Users of iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are strongly advised to install the available iOS 18.7.3 update immediately for security.
– All other users are urged to upgrade to iOS 26 now to gain security protections and new features, as delaying is no longer a safe option.
A critical software update is now essential for a vast number of iPhone users, driven by a recent and significant shift in Apple’s update policy. This change means that most modern iPhones must now be running the latest iOS 26 software to continue receiving vital security patches and feature improvements. For those who have been delaying the upgrade, the time to act is now.
The situation stems from how Apple manages its software cycles. Typically, when a major new version like iOS 26 launches, Apple provides parallel security updates for the previous version, iOS 18, for a few months. This gives users a grace period. However, in a notable departure, Apple’s December release of iOS 18.7.3 was made available only for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. These three older models cannot upgrade to iOS 26 at all.
For every other compatible iPhone, that December update served as a clear cutoff. From that point forward, the only path to continued security support was to adopt iOS 26.2. Staying on any older version of iOS 18 leaves a device vulnerable, as those updates contained important security fixes. The upcoming iOS 26.3 release is expected to follow the same pattern, likely accompanied by an iOS 18.7.4 update solely for the three legacy models.
This policy shift effectively ends the option to linger on the previous operating system for the vast majority of users. While some had valid reasons for hesitating, such as adapting to interface changes, the security imperative now outweighs those concerns. Delaying the update any longer exposes your device to potential risks that have been addressed in the newer software.
For owners of an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR, the instruction is equally urgent: you must install the iOS 18.7.3 update immediately to ensure your phone has the latest protections. For everyone else with a compatible device, upgrading to iOS 26 is no longer a choice but a necessity.
The full list of iPhones compatible with iOS 26 includes models from the iPhone 11 series onward. This encompasses the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 families in all their variants (Pro, Pro Max, Mini, Plus), the second and third-generation iPhone SE, and the newest iPhone 16 lineup. If you own a recently released model like the iPhone 17 series, it shipped with iOS 26 pre-installed and is already on the correct update path.
The bottom line is straightforward. If your iPhone is capable of running iOS 26, you should upgrade to it without further delay. The window for staying safely on the old software has officially closed, making this update an urgent priority for millions.
(Source: Forbes)
